8th Grade English Language Arts Unit Plans (by date, latest first)
How to Use a Novel as a Tool for Standards-Based Teaching in ELA
By TooBookedUp
How to Use a Novel as a Tool for Standards-Based Teaching in ELA is an indispensable guide crafted by an acclaimed 5th to 8th-grade Special Education Teacher and 2023 Master Teacher in their district. This comprehensive resource is tailored for educators striving to create impactful and standards-aligned novel study units.
Key Features:
- Standards Breakdown: Utilizing the innovative Know/Show strategy, this guide simplifies the complex ELA standards for grades 6-8, aligning with both TEKS and CCSS. It ensures a robust literary experience, preparing students for state standardized testing.
- Structured Lesson Planning: The guide offers insightful notes on structuring fast-paced, standard-aligned lessons, including three adaptable 50-minute class structures to cater to diverse learning environments.
- Pacing Plan Templates: With detailed pacing plan considerations, the guide presents pros and cons for various approaches, ensuring educators can tailor their teaching pace effectively.
- Differentiation Strategies: Catering to advanced learners, the guide provides innovative content, process, and product differentiation ideas, making it a versatile tool for diverse classroom settings.
- Accommodation Integration: Essential for inclusive education, this resource offers practical strategies for incorporating accommodations into novel studies, addressing the needs of students with IEPs.
- Assessment Techniques: From quizzes to creative projects, the guide covers a spectrum of assessment methods to evaluate student learning comprehensively.
- Writing Integration: Discover formative and summative writing activities that enrich the novel study experience, enhancing students' analytical and creative skills.
- Practical Examples: The guide includes sample pacing plans, Google Slides from novel studies, and daily student-facing one-pagers, providing real-world applications of the strategies discussed.
- Templates: Pacing plan template, one-pager template, know/show standard breakdown template.
Effectiveness and Clarity:
This guide stands out for its clarity and practicality. It demystifies the process of aligning novel studies with ELA standards, making it an invaluable resource for middle school teachers. The step-by-step approach ensures educators can effectively implement the strategies, enhancing student engagement and learning outcomes.
Transferability:
This resource is not just a guide but a toolkit. With customizable templates and adaptable strategies, it seamlessly fits into various teaching styles and curriculum needs. Whether you're a novice or an experienced educator, this guide will elevate your teaching approach, making novel studies a more impactful part of your ELA curriculum.
Conclusion:
For teachers looking to harness the power of novels in their ELA curriculum, "How to Use a Novel as a Tool for Standards-Based Teaching in ELA" is a must-have. Its blend of practicality, innovation, and adaptability makes it a standout resource in literature education.
Scene 2 - Comprehension Questions
By Sign with me TOD
This product is made for:
- adapting instruction
- differentiating instruction
- on level learners
- struggling writers
- struggling readers
- ESL/ENL
- Deaf Education
- Homework
- Classwork
- Homeschooling
- Bell Work
- Virtual Instruction
- Remote Instruction
In this product, Reading Street - Scene 2 is read and reviewed. In this product, students will read the text, Scene 2. Students will review/learn what a play is, will see the set up of a play that includes the title, author, characters, stage directions, and how the characters lines, including the narrator's lines are set up. As students read the text, Scene 2, they will answer comprehension questions using this product. They can complete these questions individually, in a small group, or with support. There are several pages of comprehension questions in this packet that differ from the questions asked in the teacher edition. The questions from the text are adapted in this packet to meet each of your student's needs. At the end of the packet, students will answer comprehension questions about the authors - Don Abramson and Robert Kausal. At the end of the packet is a template and the steps necessary for your students to write a play as well.
You may also be interested in the following:
Because of Winn-Dixie Selection Vocabulary - Reading Street
https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/Reading-Street-Because-of-Winn-Dixie-Selection-Vocabulary-8284220
Because of Winn-Dixie - Reading Comprehension Questions
Lewis and Clark and Me - A Dog's Tale Reading Comprehension Questions
On the Banks of Plum Creek - Reading Comprehension Questions
What Jo Did - Reading Street Comprehension Questions
https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/Reading-Street-What-Jo-Did-Comprehension-Questions-8898342
Coyote School - Reading Street Comprehension Questions
https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/Reading-Street-Coyote-School-News-Comprehension-Questions-9304857
Scene 2 - Reading Street Comprehension Questions
https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/Reading-Street-Scene-2-Comprehension-Questions-9312773
Horse Heroes - Reading Street Comprehension Questions
https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/Reading-Street-Horse-Heroes-Comprehension-Quest-9543449
Letters from Denali - Reading Street Comprehension Questions
https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/Reading-Street-Letter-from-Denali-Comprehension-Questions-8731020
So You Want to Be President? Reading Street Comprehension Questions
The Horned Toad Prince - Reading Street Comprehension Questions
The Man Who Named the Clouds - Reading Street Comprehension Questions
If you liked this product, please leave me a positive review. :)
Reading Street - Horse Heroes Comprehension Questions
By Sign with me TOD
In this product, Reading Street - Horse Heroes - True Stories of Amazing Horses is read and reviewed. In this product, students will read the text, Horse Heroes - True Stories of Amazing Horses. Students will review/learn what where horses have been throughout the years and how they have been used throughout the world. As students read the text, Horse Heroes - True Stories of Amazing Horses, they will answer comprehension questions using this product. They can complete these questions individually, in a small group, or with support. There are several pages of comprehension questions in this packet that differ from the questions asked in the teacher edition. Selection vocabulary words, their meanings, and an example of them used in a sentence is included in this product. Students will have the opportunity to make up their own sentences for each selection vocabulary word as well. The questions from the text are adapted in this packet to meet each of your student's needs. At the end of the packet, students will answer comprehension questions about the author, Kate Petty.
You may also be interested in the following:
Because of Winn-Dixie Selection Vocabulary - Reading Street
https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/Reading-Street-Because-of-Winn-Dixie-Selection-Vocabulary-8284220
So You Want to Be President? Reading Street Comprehension Questions
Because of Winn-Dixie - Reading Comprehension Questions
Lewis and Clark and Me - A Dog's Tale Reading Comprehension Questions
On the Banks of Plum Creek - Reading Comprehension Questions
What Jo Did - Reading Street Comprehension Questions
https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/Reading-Street-What-Jo-Did-Comprehension-Questions-8898342
Coyote School - Reading Street Comprehension Questions
https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/Reading-Street-Coyote-School-News-Comprehension-Questions-9304857
Scene 2 - Reading Street Comprehension Questions
https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/Reading-Street-Scene-2-Comprehension-Questions-9312773
Horse Heroes - Reading Street Comprehension Questions
https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/Reading-Street-Horse-Heroes-Comprehension-Quest-9543449
Letters from Denali - Reading Street Comprehension Questions
https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/Reading-Street-Letter-from-Denali-Comprehension-Questions-8731020
The Horned Toad Prince - Reading Street Comprehension Questions
The Man Who Named the Clouds - Reading Street Comprehension Questions
If you liked this product, please leave me a positive review. :)
What Jo Did - Comprehension Questions
By Sign with me TOD
This product is made for:
- adapting instruction
- differentiating instruction
- on level learners
- struggling writers
- struggling readers
- ESL/ENL
- Deaf Education
- Homework
- Classwork
- Homeschooling
- Bell Work
- Virtual Instruction
- Remote Instruction
In this product, The Reading Street - What Jo Did is read and reviewed. In this product, students will read the comprehension passage, What Jo Did. Students will review the selection vocabulary words: fouled, hoop, jersey, marveled, rim, speechless, swatted, and unbelievable. Examples of each selection vocabulary word are used in sentences. Students have the opportunity to make up a sentence using each selection vocabulary word as well. Students will review/learn what a fiction text is and will have the opportunity to come up with possible fiction story ideas. As students read the text, What Jo Did, they can answer comprehension questions. They can complete these questions individually, in a small group, or with support. There are several pages of comprehension questions in this packet that differ from the questions asked in the teacher edition. The questions from the text are adapted in this packet to meet each of your student's needs. At the end of the packet, students will answer comprehension questions about the author, Charles R. Smith Jr. based on the passage from the text.
You may also be interested in the following:
Because of Winn-Dixie Selection Vocabulary - Reading Street
https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/Reading-Street-Because-of-Winn-Dixie-Selection-Vocabulary-8284220
So You Want to Be President? Reading Street Comprehension Questions
Because of Winn-Dixie - Reading Comprehension Questions
Lewis and Clark and Me - A Dog's Tale Reading Comprehension Questions
On the Banks of Plum Creek - Reading Comprehension Questions
What Jo Did - Reading Street Comprehension Questions
https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/Reading-Street-What-Jo-Did-Comprehension-Questions-8898342
Coyote School - Reading Street Comprehension Questions
https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/Reading-Street-Coyote-School-News-Comprehension-Questions-9304857
Scene 2 - Reading Street Comprehension Questions
https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/Reading-Street-Scene-2-Comprehension-Questions-9312773
Horse Heroes - Reading Street Comprehension Questions
https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/Reading-Street-Horse-Heroes-Comprehension-Quest-9543449
Letters from Denali - Reading Street Comprehension Questions
https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/Reading-Street-Letter-from-Denali-Comprehension-Questions-8731020
The Horned Toad Prince - Reading Street Comprehension Questions
The Man Who Named the Clouds - Reading Street Comprehension Questions
If you liked this product, please leave me a positive review. :)
The Man Who Named the Clouds Comprehension Questions
By Sign with me TOD
In this product, The Man Who Named the Clouds is read and reviewed. Students will review/learn facts and vocabulary about what a forecast and meteorologist are, what a biography is and if it is comparable to a fiction or nonfiction text, review vocabulary words and their pictures that are present in the text, different kinds of clouds, learn about the author and the illustrator, and students will write a weather journal. Students will answer comprehension questions using this product. They can complete these questions individually, in a small group, or with support. There are several pages of comprehension questions in this packet that differ from the questions asked in the teacher edition. Selection vocabulary words, their meanings, and an example of them used in a sentence is included in this product. Students will have the opportunity to make up their own sentences for each selection vocabulary word as well. The questions from the text are adapted in this packet to meet each of your student's needs. At the end of the packet, students will answer comprehension questions about the author and illustrator.
You may also be interested in the following:
Because of Winn-Dixie Selection Vocabulary - Reading Street
https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/Reading-Street-Because-of-Winn-Dixie-Selection-Vocabulary-8284220
Because of Winn-Dixie - Reading Comprehension Questions
Lewis and Clark and Me - A Dog's Tale Reading Comprehension Questions
On the Banks of Plum Creek - Reading Comprehension Questions
What Jo Did - Reading Street Comprehension Questions
https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/Reading-Street-What-Jo-Did-Comprehension-Questions-8898342
Coyote School - Reading Street Comprehension Questions
https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/Reading-Street-Coyote-School-News-Comprehension-Questions-9304857
Scene 2 - Reading Street Comprehension Questions
https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/Reading-Street-Scene-2-Comprehension-Questions-9312773
Horse Heroes - Reading Street Comprehension Questions
https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/Reading-Street-Horse-Heroes-Comprehension-Quest-9543449
Letters from Denali - Reading Street Comprehension Questions
https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/Reading-Street-Letter-from-Denali-Comprehension-Questions-8731020
The Horned Toad Prince - Reading Street Comprehension Questions
If you liked this product, please leave me a positive review. :)
So You Want to Be President? Comprehension Questions
By Sign with me TOD
This product is made for:
- adapting instruction
- differentiating instruction
- on level learners
- struggling writers
- struggling readers
- ESL/ENL
- Deaf Education
- Homework
- Classwork
- Homeschooling
- Virtual Instruction
- Remote Instruction
In this product, Reading Street - So You Want to Be President? is read and reviewed. In this product, students will read the text, So You Want to Be President. Students will review/learn facts about different Presidents throughout history, what Presidents enjoy/dislike about their job, why someone wants to become President of the United States, etc. Students will answer comprehension questions using this product. They can complete these questions individually, in a small group, or with support. There are several pages of comprehension questions in this packet that differ from the questions asked in the teacher edition. Selection vocabulary words, their meanings, and an example of them used in a sentence is included in this product. Students will have the opportunity to make up their own sentences for each selection vocabulary word as well. The questions from the text are adapted in this packet to meet each of your student's needs. At the end of the packet, students will answer comprehension questions about the author, Judith St. George
You may also be interested in the following:
Because of Winn-Dixie Selection Vocabulary - Reading Street
https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/Reading-Street-Because-of-Winn-Dixie-Selection-Vocabulary-8284220
Because of Winn-Dixie - Reading Comprehension Questions
Lewis and Clark and Me - A Dog's Tale Reading Comprehension Questions
On the Banks of Plum Creek - Reading Comprehension Questions
What Jo Did - Reading Street Comprehension Questions
https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/Reading-Street-What-Jo-Did-Comprehension-Questions-8898342
Coyote School - Reading Street Comprehension Questions
https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/Reading-Street-Coyote-School-News-Comprehension-Questions-9304857
Scene 2 - Reading Street Comprehension Questions
https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/Reading-Street-Scene-2-Comprehension-Questions-9312773
Horse Heroes - Reading Street Comprehension Questions
https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/Reading-Street-Horse-Heroes-Comprehension-Quest-9543449
Letters from Denali - Reading Street Comprehension Questions
https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/Reading-Street-Letter-from-Denali-Comprehension-Questions-8731020
The Horned Toad Prince - Reading Street Comprehension Questions
The Man Who Named the Clouds - Reading Street Comprehension Questions
If you liked this product, please leave me a positive review. :)
Coyote School News - Comprehension Questions
By Sign with me TOD
In this product, Coyote School News is read and reviewed. In this product, students will read the text, Coyote School News. Students will review/learn what a historical fiction text is and will have the opportunity to identify historical fiction texts and come up with possible historical fiction story ideas. As students read the text, Coyote School News, they will answer comprehension questions using this product. They can complete these questions individually, in a small group, or with support. There are several pages of comprehension questions in this packet that differ from the questions asked in the teacher edition. The questions from the text are adapted in this packet to meet each of your student's needs. At the end of the packet, students will answer comprehension questions about the author, Joan Sandin. At the end of the packet is a template and the steps necessary for your students to write a newspaper article as well.
You may also be interested in the following:
Because of Winn-Dixie Selection Vocabulary - Reading Street
https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/Reading-Street-Because-of-Winn-Dixie-Selection-Vocabulary-8284220
Because of Winn-Dixie - Reading Comprehension Questions
Lewis and Clark and Me - A Dog's Tale Reading Comprehension Questions
On the Banks of Plum Creek - Reading Comprehension Questions
What Jo Did - Reading Street Comprehension Questions
https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/Reading-Street-What-Jo-Did-Comprehension-Questions-8898342
Coyote School - Reading Street Comprehension Questions
https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/Reading-Street-Coyote-School-News-Comprehension-Questions-9304857
Scene 2 - Reading Street Comprehension Questions
https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/Reading-Street-Scene-2-Comprehension-Questions-9312773
Horse Heroes - Reading Street Comprehension Questions
https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/Reading-Street-Horse-Heroes-Comprehension-Quest-9543449
Letters from Denali - Reading Street Comprehension Questions
https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/Reading-Street-Letter-from-Denali-Comprehension-Questions-8731020
The Horned Toad Prince - Reading Street Comprehension Questions
The Man Who Named the Clouds - Reading Street Comprehension Questions
If you liked this product, please leave me a positive review. :)
Turning Red Movie Comprehension Questions
By Sign with me TOD
The 2022 movie, Turning Red is a coming of age movie for preteens and teens. The movie discusses problem solving skills, following rules, working together, growing up, finding yourself, making decisions, and being a good friend. The comprehension questions in this product relate with the movie as well as students own experiences. Students can answer these comprehension questions as they watch the movie or after they have finished the movie. At the end of the packet, there are several slides that give friendship scenarios and how students would handle each of those.
If you download this product, and found it useful, please leave me a positive review! :)
You may also be interested in the following:
Ramona and Beezus Movie (2010) Comprehension Questions:
https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/Ramona-and-Beezus-Movie-Comprehension-Questions-11177730
Nancy Drew 2007 Movie Comprehension Questions:
https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/Nancy-Drew-Movie-Comprehension-Questions-9211718#show-price-update
Camp Nowhere 1994 Movie Comprehension Questions:
https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/Camp-Nowhere-1994-Movie-Comprehension-Questions-11621674
8th Grade ELA Common Core State Standards DIGITAL Checklist
By Christina Bush
This Google Sheets digital resource is a detailed tool to help you keep track of 8th grade ELA Common Core State Standards you cover throughout the school year!
All ELA standards are included!
This resource gives you a digital option with easy-to-use checkboxes and is 100% editable! It is organized by months, weeks, and there is a spot to add your units! It is based off of a mid-August to mid-May school year, however, you may edit this resource to fit your needs.
Just for fun, it has a green color theme!
This sheet is also included in this combined Google Sheets file: 6th, 7th, AND 8th Grade ELA Common Core State Standards DIGITAL Checklist BUNDLE
*NEW* 5th Grade is now also available here!
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Checkout my store here - all teacher friends are welcome!
Other resources you may like:
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6th 7th 8th Grade ELA Common Core State Standards DIGITAL Checklist
By Christina Bush
This Google Sheets resource is a detailed tool to help you keep track of 6th, 7th, AND 8th grade ELA Common Core State Standards you cover throughout the school year!
All middle school ELA standards are included!
This BUNDLED resource gives you a digital option with easy-to-use checkboxes and is 100% editable! It is organized by months, weeks, and there is a spot to add your units! It is based off of a mid-August to mid-May school year, however, you may edit this resource to fit your needs.
Just for fun, it is color-coded! 6th grade is turquoise, 7th grade is purple, and 8th grade is green!
If you only need ONE grade level, check out my other products below:
6th Grade ELA Common Core State Standards DIGITAL Checklist
7th Grade ELA Common Core State Standards DIGITAL Checklist
8th Grade ELA Common Core State Standards DIGITAL Checklist
*NEW* 5th Grade is now also available here!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Like this resource? Please leave a helpful review/rating and EARN SOME TeachShare CREDITS towards your next TPT purchase!
Checkout my store here - all teacher friends are welcome!
Other resources you may like:
RACE Writing Strategy | Citing Text Evidence | ELA TEST PREP - BUNDLE
Boho Rainbow Café Classroom Decor Theme Set | GROWING BUNDLE
DIGITAL Unit Guide Template | Scope & Sequence | EDITABLE
Flipped Classroom Parent / Student BUNDLE
Starbooks Virtual Book Tasting with Verse Novels
BUNDLE-Nutcracker Themed Literature Bundle
By Meggen Loew
Nutcracker Literature Bundle: ($18 value)
Combines The Nutcracker and the Mouse King Picture Book Study and the Nutcracked Novel Study and Vocabulary Unit.
Nutcracker and the Mouse King Picture Book Study ($5 Value)
This study works excellent as an introduction to studying the Nutcracker Ballet.
Using the picture book The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, the original Story by ETA Hoffman, illustrated by Gail de Marcken, and the Story adapted by Wren Mayse. The materials aim to enhance the readers understanding and interpretation of the Story.
What is Included: 23 Pages Total
· Goal and Instructional Pages for Teacher
· Lesson Plans for 10-days of lessons
· Pre-Reading Notes Page (1 page)
· Discussion Questions (9 pages)
· Story Outline (Plot Outline) (2 pages)
· Battle Plan Outline (2 pages)
· Answer Keys (4 pages)
Nutcracked Novel Study and Vocabulary ($8 Value)
Novel Study: These materials for Susan Adrian's novel Nutcracked aim to enhance readers' understanding and interpretation of the Story.
What is Included: 40 Pages
· Goal and Instructional Pages for Teacher
· Lesson Plans for 15-days of lessons- Incorporate vocabulary work in
· Discussion Questions (11 pages)
· Reality vs. Fantasy-Journal (1 page)
· Reality vs. Fantasy-Teaching Worksheet Activity (1 page)
· Reality vs. Fantasy-2 Worksheets (1 page each)
· Georgie's Problems (Conflict Worksheet) (1 page)
· Plot Diagram (1 page)
· Final Test (2 Options) (2 pages each)
· Answer Keys (8 pages)
Vocabulary: -In general, the goal for finding vocabulary words within a novel is to have students encounter words they may not have seen or heard before and then understand their meaning in the text and their everyday lives.
What is Included: 31 Pages
· Goals and Instructional Pages for Teacher
· Master Word Lists (3 pages)
· Student Dictionary (11 pages)
· Crossword Puzzles (3 pages)
· Word Search (1 page)
· Vocabulary in Context Worksheet (2 pages)
· Final Test (1 page)
· Answer Keys (6 pages)
This Bundle also includes a Bundle Guide: 8 Pages ($3 value)
· Goals and Instructions for the Bundle
· Brief Bundle Overview
· Full Bundle Lesson Plans (helps combine the two units into one)
Look to pair this Bundle with other Nutcracker Christmas School Activities. A complete 20-Day Christmas School Unit is available as a bundle through my website or TeachShare storefront.
Night by Elie Wiesel BUNDLE of resources!
By The Red-Haired Reader
This bundle includes an imagery unit plan, a question trail, an analysis of "Never Shall I Forget" from chapter 3, an analysis of "Juliek's Violin" by Cyrus Cassells (to use with chapter 6), and a Socratic Seminar for Elie Wiesel's Night. Please check out each product individually. Thank you!
Please help my little business grow!
Did you know that you can receive $ credit towards future TeachShare purchases by reviewing this product? Please leave a review at the product page or through "My Purchases" under "My Account" at TpT. Thank you!
BUNDLE: resources for teaching The Holocaust: Night, Maus, poetry, allegory
By The Red-Haired Reader
This product bundles ALL of my shop's Holocaust- related resources together. Please check out each product individually using the links below. Thank you!
Please help my little business grow!
Did you know that you can receive $ credit towards future TeachShare purchases by reviewing this product? Please leave a review at the product page or through "My Purchases" under "My Account" at TpT. Thank you!
Night by Elie Wiesel Imagery Unit: tracking sheet, paragraph analysis, test
By The Red-Haired Reader
When I read Night with my students, our focus is how imagery contributes to the author’s purpose of examining how cruelty fuels dehumanization. This product gives you everything you need to track the imagery, check for understanding with 2 paragraph response prompts, and a final test. I’ve included many examples you can refer to as exemplars for the tracking chart, sample paragraph responses, and the Essential Question that you can hang on your board. The final test includes 10 rigorous multiple choice questions that require students to analyze Wiesel's imagery, as well as a final paragraph response question. A thorough answer key for the test is included as well.
Please help my little business grow!
Did you know that you can receive $ credit towards future TeachShare purchases by reviewing this product? Please leave a review at the product page or through "My Purchases" under "My Account" at TpT. Thank you!
Lord of the Flies Unit Plan: Read through a choice of 2 different lenses!
By The Red-Haired Reader
This is a full unit plan for reading Lord of the Flies by William Golding through a choice of two different lenses: Psychology or Gender. You'll receive the full Unit Plan in a grid format, as well as every assignment for both lenses.
Students will be put in groups according to their chosen lens and will explore a number of resources pertaining to their lens. They'll complete a wide variety of assignments, including a Double Entry Journal, Socratic Seminar, Symbolism Word Splash and Explanation, Theme Formal Essay, and Characterization Creative Situational Writing. The directions and rubric are included for each assignment. Since it's in a Google Doc, it's all ready for you to post and have your students complete digitally, OR you can print it out and have then do it that way, too!
Please let me know if you have any questions! My students LOVED being in charge of their own learning by choosing how they would read the text and having all of the assignments laid out for them right from the beginning. Thanks for looking!
Jamaica Kincaid's ANNIE JOHN (+ the story "Girl") | 3 Weeks of EDITABLE Lessons!
By Rigorous Resources for High School English
NEW IN 2020: Rigorous! Thought-provoking! Discussion-based! This 80-page EDITABLE unit promises to elicit dynamic engagement from all students without compromising on intellectual rigor. Invite your students to engage in student-driven discussions that promise to be profoundly stimulating! The discussion prompts, daily quizzes, short writing prompts, and final paper will challenge your students to dig beneath the surface of the text and generate profound interpretive insights!
Hold your students accountable for completing the nightly homework by beginning every class with a quick vocabulary and reading quiz. Facilitate dynamic discussions that motivate students to become attached to the thrill generating shared knowledge. Challenge students to explicate textual details using a wide range of interpretive lenses: formalist, historicist, psychoanalytic, feminist, etc. Inspire students to arrive at a whole new depth of insight!!
Everything you’ll need to teach the novel is included in this bundle. Here are a few of the highlights:
• Unit & Pacing Guide: Suggestions for how to approach the complex themes and deceptively simple language in Kincaid's Annie John.
• Discussion Questions: Sixteen pages of deeply thought-provoking discussion questions! One 2-page handout containing 6-10 questions for each of 8 chapters. The discussion questions are the beating heart of this curriculum. Every discussion question is grounded in concrete textual details and challenges students to arrive at lucid interpretive insights! The questions could be used to focus students’ thinking prior to beginning a discussion, to foster in-class writing such as stop-and-jots, or to assign written reflections for homework. Guaranteed to elicit student engagement and foster profound discussions!! (16 pages)
• Vocabulary Lists: Lists of 10-12 vocabulary words for every chapter, complete with definitions and sample sentences with the words as used in Annie John. A total of close to 100 words. (8 pages)
• Vocabulary & Reading Quizzes: Quizzes with 10 questions per chapter. Build students’ vocabularies while holding them accountable for the nightly reading homework. Each quiz contains 7 questions on vocabulary words plus another 3 questions on reading comprehension. Grading these quizzes is simple and quick. They’re an easy way to log 8 grades in your gradebook. Answer key included. (16 pages)
• Narrative Writing Assignment: A narrative writing assignment that could be given after students finish reading Chapter 3. This assignment is inspired by the "autobiographical essay" that Annie shares with her classmates. (1 page)
• Analytical Writing Assignment: Challenge students to find connections between quotations excerpted from different parts of Annie John. Then invite students to use those quotations as the basis for building an interpretive argument that is supported by textual evidence. Builds skills in close reading and analytical writing! Student writing sample included. (3 pages)
• Creative Writing Assignment: Invite students to think about the messages they have received about what it means to be a "man" or a "woman." Then, following the example in Kincaid's short story "Girl," have students write a short story about how they have navigated the normative pressures associated with gender. Student writing sample included. (2 pages)
• Short Story Pairings: Read and discuss two short stories that examine how and why young children are socialized into normative gender roles: Kincaid's "Girl" & Bret Anthony Johnston's "Boy." This bundle includes transcriptions of both stories as well as a page of thought-provoking discussion questions on Kincaid's "Girl." (3 pages)
• Poetry Pairing: Wrap things up with the poem that Jamaica Kincaid says "taught me how to write." This poem by Elizabeth Bishop engages with many of the same coming-of-age themes explored in Kincaid's Annie John. The poetry pairing includes discussion questions, answer keys, and a quiz on poetic devices. (10 pages)
My store is called “Rigorous Resources” because all of the materials prioritize rigorous content over decorative graphics. Yes, these lessons are filled with dozens of captivating images — maps and photographs of Antigua, paintings of historical events alluded to in the novel, portraits of the author — that shed light on various scenes from Kincaid's novel. But what really distinguishes this curriculum is how the discussion starters, close-reading exercises, and writing prompts are all designed to help student arrive at an abundance of interpretive insights!! . .
These materials will come to you in a single 80-page EDITABLE Word document. Feel free to modify the lessons to suit your teaching style and/or the needs of particular students. The previews for my resources provide direct access to over a dozen pages of actual materials. Click on the green “preview” button to see what you’ll get. .
Thank you for choosing “Rigorous Resources”!!
Happy teaching!
Adam Jernigan, Ph.D.
P.S. Don't forget to click “follow” for email updates on new products by Rigorous Resources. New products will be 50% OFF for the first 24 hours!
Romeo and Juliet STUDENT WORKBOOKS: Colorful Worksheets & Answer Keys | EDITABLE
By Rigorous Resources for High School English
These student workbooks feature everything you'll need to deliver profoundly engaging lessons on William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. These workbooks, with their colorful design and rigorous content, are guaranteed to have your students falling in love with Shakespeare's tragic tale of star-crossed lovers!
Every page of these teacher-friendly workbooks is fully editable. So you'll be able to customize the materials to match the skill levels of your students — year after year. Recover weeks of prep time while amplifying student engagement with these rigorous and colorful literature workbooks!
Best of all, every page of this workbook comes with a detailed and insightful answer key! The answer keys are brimming with interpretative expertise from leading Shakespeare scholars who teach at universities like Harvard and Cambridge. You'll have every student reading like a professor!
Here's what you'll find in this editable 100+ page teaching resource:
• Pacing Guide: The pacing guide features brief summaries of every scene in the play. It also provides suggestions about which scenes to assign for homework so that students' nightly workload will be manageable while every class session will be maximally productive. The pacing guide also includes a sample homework posting which teachers can copy and paste into their school's learning management system. (3 pages)
• STUDENT WORKBOOKS on Romeo and Juliet: The 50-page workbook features highly engaging worksheets on every scene in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Each worksheet is divided into sections which invite students to engage with the text in a variety of different ways:
- The Passage Analysis section invite students to analyze one or two key passages from each scene.
- The Evidence Hunt challenges students to answer an interpretive question by finding the best textual evidence to support their answer.
- The Comparing Quotations section invites students to make connections between quotations from different scenes in the play.
- The Discussion Question section features three higher-order questions designed to foster lively discussions and interpretive debates among students.
- The Quick Writes challenge students to compose short arguments that require the support of carefully selected textual evidence — leading to keen interpretive insights!
The workbook is guaranteed to foster skills in close reading, thoughtful analysis, and lively discussion. It will have your students feeling genuinely excited to study Shakespeare every day! (50 pages)
• WORKBOOK ANSWER KEY: The 50-page answer key to the workbook provides detailed answers to the passage analysis, evidence hunt, and comparing quotations sections. The answer key is informed by the best books and articles written by leading Shakespeare scholars: Marjorie Garber (Harvard), Stephen Greenblatt (Harvard), Emma Smith (Oxford), Coppélia Kahn (Brown), Catherine Belsey (Cambridge), Susan Snyder (Swarthmore), David Bevington (Chicago), Dympna Callaghan (Syracuse), and many others. (50 pages)
These workbooks and answer keys will come to you in two separate formats: Word Docs *and* PDFs. Because the Word docs are fully editable, you'll be able to customize them to match the skill levels of your students — year after year! If you don't have Microsoft Word, you'll still be able to access PDF versions — which are easy to navigate and quick to print.
Rigorous Resources is your one-stop shop for top-quality resources on William Shakespeare. Wishing you an amazing experience with teaching Romeo and Juliet. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch. I love hearing from fellow teachers who share a passion for great literature!
Happy teaching!
Adam Jernigan, Ph.D.
P.S. Remember to “follow” my store to receive email updates on new products by Rigorous Resources. New products will be 50% OFF for the first 24 hours!
Feel free to check out these complete units on Shakespeare's masterpieces:
COMPLETE UNIT with Workbooks on Romeo and Juliet
COMPLETE UNIT with Workbooks on Julius Caesar
COMPLETE UNIT with Workbooks on Macbeth
COMPLETE UNIT with Workbooks on Othello
COMPLETE UNIT with Workbooks on Hamlet
COMPLETE UNIT with Workbooks on Much Ado About Nothing
INTRO TO SHAKESPEARE: Biography, Globe Theater, Language, & Meter
By Rigorous Resources for High School English
This 135-page EDITABLE curriculum has everything you'll need for profoundly stimulating lessons on Gene Luen Yang's American Born Chinese! Invite your class to engage in student-driven discussions without compromising on intellectual rigor. The pre-reading handout, discussion questions, image analysis worksheets, vocabulary lists, and analytical writing assignment will challenge your students to dig beneath the surface of the text and generate profound interpretive insights!!
The graphic novel is an aesthetically innovative genre in which meaning is created through the interplay of image and text. How do we read a novel in which two narrative channels — one verbal, the other visual — interact? And how do graphic novels challenge readers to expand the set of interpretive techniques that make up “close reading”? This unit will help students understand complex questions about literary and aesthetic form, the experience of social exclusion, and the troubling history of racial stereotypes in American popular media.
Here are some highlights from the 135-page curriculum:
• Author Biography: Open this unit by reading and discussing a 3-page biography of Gene Luen Yang. The biography introduces students to Yang's experience growing up as one of the only Asian-American students in predominantly white schools in California. As such, it introduces readers to many of the themes that will emerge in American Born Chinese: the painful experience of social exclusion, the threat of racial stereotypes, the healing power of literature, etc. (3 pages)
• Discussion Question Handouts (x9): Thirty pages of higher-order discussion questions guaranteed to inspire profoundly thoughtful class discussions! This unit features double-sided handouts with 8-10 questions for each of the book's 9 chapters. The discussion questions are the beating heart of these lesson plans. They challenge students to build interpretive arguments that require the support of carefully selected textual evidence — leading to keen interpretive insights! Guaranteed to elicit student engagement and foster profound discussions! (20 pages)
• Discussion Question Answer Keys (x9): The answer keys to the discussion questions are informed by cutting-edge scholarship by literature professors who specialize in the graphic novel and Yang's American Born Chinese. Of course, there is rarely a single "correct" answer for any question; rather, the discussions questions are made up of higher-order questions designed to foster lively exchanges and interpretive debates among students. They challenge students to build interpretive arguments that require the support of carefully selected textual evidence. (40 pages)
• Quick Writes: A "quick write" can be used at any time in a class to get students to pause and reflect on the text in writing. Introduce a quick write before you begin a discussion to allow students to collect their thoughts. Or roll one out toward the end of a discussion to let students capture and refine their best ideas. (9 pages)
• Image Analysis Worksheets (x5): These worksheets challenge students to analyze and compare more than a dozen visually complex panels from American Born Chinese. Students will reflect on how Gene Luen Yang builds meaning by through the use of aesthetic strategies such as visual parallels, verbal puns, inversions, symbolism, etc. Help students figure out what it means to "close read" a graphic novel. Worksheets are provided for chapters 1, 2, 4, 8, and 9. Answer keys included. (18 pages)
• Vocabulary Lists (x9): Lists of 8 vocabulary words for every chapter, complete with definitions and sample sentences with the words as they are used in American Born Chinese. A total of 72 words. (9 pages)
• Reading & Vocabulary Quizzes (x9): Daily quizzes with 6 questions on the reading homework plus another 4 questions on the vocabulary words. If you choose not to have your students study vocabulary, you can still use the portion of the quiz focused on reading comprehension. Grading these quizzes is simple and quick. They’re an easy way to log 9 grades into your gradebook. Answer keys included. (18 pages)
• Analytical Writing Assignment: Challenge students to take their interpretations one step further by writing an analytical paper on Gene Luen Yang's complex graphic novel. Let students choose from one of three thought-provoking sample topics — or invite them to develop a similar topic of their own. Writing schedule, outline template, and rubric included. (7 pages)
This resource packet will come to you in two separate formats: Word docs *and* PDFs. Because the Word docs are fully editable, you'll be able to customize the materials to suit your teaching style and/or your students' skill levels — year after year! If you don't have Microsoft Word, you'll still be able to access all of the materials in PDFs, which are easy to navigate and quick to print!
Finally, because I believe that teachers should be able to see what they're getting before they make a purchase, the preview for this resource provides access to over 30 pages from this 135-page bundle. Click on the green “preview” button to see exactly what you’ll get....
Thank you for choosing “Rigorous Resources”!!
Happy teaching!
Adam Jernigan, Ph.D.
P.S. Don't forget to click “follow” for email updates on new products by Rigorous Resources. New products will be 50% OFF for the first 24 hours!
By Rigorous Resources for High School English
Teaching a play by William Shakespeare? Want to provide students with a fascinating overview of the author's life, the construction of the Globe Theater, the language of early-modern English, the rhythm of iambic pentameter, and more? This 50-page EDITABLE resource has EVERYTHING you could possibly want to introduce ANY play by William Shakespeare....
This comprehensive bundle includes a Biography of the Bard, an account of the construction of the Globe Theater, handouts and exercises to help students understand Shakespeare's language, a Shakespearean insult generator, worksheets and quizzes introducing students to iambic pentameter, and more.
Here's what you'll find inside this 50-page resource bundle:
• William Shakespeare Biography: This 4-page biography of William Shakespeare explains the conditions of his early life and schooling in Stratford-upon-Avon, how he became involved in the London theater scene, the impact which the death of his son Hamnet had upon his writing career, his gradual transition from comedies to tragedies, and more. Includes a comprehension check with answer key. (5 pages)
• The Globe Theater: A 2-page handout on what inspired Shakespeare's acting company to build the Globe Theater. A dispute with the landlord of their old theater motivated Shakespeare's company to meet with lanterns in the middle of the night, disassemble their old playhouse, and transport the timber across the Thames River to the plot of land where they would build the Globe. How did the construction of the Globe infuse new life into Shakespeare's company? How would Shakespeare make reference to the Globe in plays written after its construction in 1599? Includes a comprehension check with answer key. (4 pages)
• Shakespeare's Language: A 3-page handout on the crucial topic of Shakespeare's language. Literary scholars have pointed out that "the life of Shakespeare's plays is in the language." What's so special about Shakespeare's language? Did he really invent 1,700 new words? What kinds of words did he invent, and how do they contribute to the meaning of his plays? Includes a comprehension check with answer key. (5 pages)
• Renaissance Glossary: This 2-page glossary features 50 words that appear frequently within Shakespeare's plays but are no longer used in modern-day speech: adieu, beseech, ere, fain, naught, prithee, troth, wot, etc. Familiarizing students with this words will make their reading experience much smoother! This glossary includes a definition for each word as well as an example of how it's used in Shakespeare's plays. (2 pages)
• Translation Practice: This 2-page worksheet features 20 brief quotations from a diverse range of Shakespeare's plays. Challenge students to translate each quotation into modern English. This exercise gives students a change to demonstrate their understanding of the words in the Renaissance Glossary. Includes answer key. (4 pages)
• Decode the Idiom: This 1-page worksheet features 12 quotations that feature idioms which Shakespeare invented: wear my heart on my sleeve, all that glitters is not gold, I have a charmed life, as good luck would have it, and more. Challenge students to identify the idiom by filling in the word missing from the quotation. Then have students explain the meaning of the idiom. Includes answer key. (2 pages)
• Blank Verse: A 2-page handout on the when and why Shakespeare employs blank verse (i.e. unrhymed iambic pentameter). This handout explains how blank verse emerged as a popular verse form as well as what distinguished Shakespeare's usage of blank verse. When and why do some of Shakespeare's characters break with the regular rhythms of blank verse? Why might some characters alternate between using verse and prose? (2 pages)
• Scansion Practice: Students learn to identify iambic pentameter by scanning 10 well-known quotations from Shakespeare's plays. Includes answer key. (4 pages)
• Quizzes on Meter (x2): The 2 quizzes on meter are designed to asses whether students are able to accurately scan Shakespearean lines. Each quiz features 10 quotations from Shakespeare's plays. Includes answer keys. (8 pages)
• Shakespearean Insult Generator: Shakespeare's characters are exceptionally creative in their elaboration of insults. Indeed, some scholars have suggested that the insults in Shakespeare's plays amount to their own education in wit. If your students are sufficiently mature, you could use this exercise to invite them to generate their own original Shakespearean insults. (2 pages)
The resource will download as a Zip folder which contains the entire 50-page unit in two separate formats: Word Doc *and* PDF. Because the Word Doc is fully EDITABLE, you'll be able to customize it to match your teaching style and/or the skill levels of your students — year after year! If you don't have Microsoft Word, you'll still be able to access a PDF version of the full unit — which is easy to navigate and quick to print!
If you have questions about ANYTHING related to Shakespeare, please don't hesitate to get in touch! This unit was designed by a Ph.D. in English who has devoted over 20 years to studying Shakespeare — and who currently teaches a course called "Shakespeare's Masterpieces." I LOVE hearing from fellow teachers who share a passion for great literature. Wishing you an amazing experience with the Swan of Avon!
Happy teaching!
Adam Jernigan, Ph.D.
P.S. Don't forget to click “follow” for email updates on new products by Rigorous Resources. New products will be 50% OFF for the first 24 hours!
Feel free to check out these complete units on Shakespeare's masterpieces:
COMPLETE UNIT with Workbooks on Romeo and Juliet
COMPLETE UNIT with Workbooks on Julius Caesar
COMPLETE UNIT with Workbooks on Macbeth
COMPLETE UNIT with Workbooks on Othello
COMPLETE UNIT with Workbooks on Hamlet
COMPLETE UNIT with Workbooks on Much Ado About Nothing
The Tell Tale Heart | PPT Guide | 8 Activities | Fiction Skills
By Blooming Through High School
DEEP DIVE into literature with Edgar Allan Poe's "The Tell Tale Heart"
Perfect for Horror/Gothic Literature units in English
8 activities focusing on skills for fiction with this masterful text. Students will have the opportunity to practice comprehension, questioning the text, engage in class discussions, and respond.
What's Included:
- Powerpoint Guide for each activity
- Pre-reading activity to activate prior knowledge
- Two Word Documents that allow students to form questions while reading, or make their own annotations (with the abridged text)
- A guide to facilitate class discussions after reading
- Summarizing activity and questions
- Examining Story Elements page with plot diagram
- Analyzing Characters practice
- Inferencing
- Constructed Responses
**All documents are in Word with a PDF - Also translated for Spanish speaking students - Answer Keys included (including sample responses for the constructed response)**
Depth not Breadth
The benefits of 'depth not breadth' are seen in many scholarly journals. When teachers & students spend more time with a text, they have more opportunities to interact and respond to literature.
- Deep Understanding: When students delve deeply into a text, they gain a thorough understanding of its themes, characters, and nuances. This deep engagement allows them to appreciate the complexities of literature, fostering a richer and more meaningful reading experience.
- Critical Thinking: Depth encourages critical thinking. Students learn to analyze, interpret, and evaluate texts, which enhances their ability to think critically about what they read. This skill is crucial not only for academic success but also for making informed decisions in everyday life.
- Skill Development: Engaging deeply with a few texts helps students develop essential literacy skills, such as close reading, analytical writing, and evidence-based argumentation. These skills are foundational for success in higher education and beyond.
- Connection and Retention: Students are more likely to form connections with the material and retain information when they study it in depth. This approach allows them to see the interconnectedness of themes and ideas, making the learning experience more cohesive and memorable.
- Personal Engagement: When students spend more time on a text, they have the opportunity to relate personally to the material, fostering a greater sense of engagement and motivation. Personal connections to literature can inspire a lifelong love of reading.
- Addressing Complexity: Many literary works are complex and require time to unpack fully. By focusing on depth, students can explore these complexities, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of literature's multifaceted nature.
- Application of Concepts: A deep dive into a text allows students to apply literary concepts and theories in a meaningful way. They can practice applying various analytical lenses, which deepens their understanding and prepares them for more advanced literary study.
- Quality Over Quantity: The quality of learning is often more important than the quantity. By focusing on a few key texts, teachers can ensure that students are engaging with high-quality literature and getting the most out of their reading experience.